Schedule:
Monday, March 4,2024
7:00 PM
James Hawes - UK - 110 Min - 2023 - English

One Life
In this vivid and stirring historical drama, based on true events, two-time Academy Award winner Sir Anthony Hopkins gives an intensely moving performance as Sir Nicholas Winton, a humble, mild-mannered British stockbroker who helped rescue hundreds of Jewish children from Europe on the verge of the Second World War, an act of compassion that was almost forgotten for 50 years.

In 1938, Nicholas Winton was a mild-mannered British stockbroker who became increasingly unsettled by the news of what was happening in continental Europe. After a spur-of-the-moment decision to join friends in Prague to help a growing number of refugees, his life — and the lives of hundreds of Jewish children facing the threat of Hitler’s regime — changed forever. Resolving to take whatever action he could, Winton returned to London and conscripted his indefatigable mother (played by the wondrous Helena Bonham Carter) for what would become years of fundraising and fighting bureaucracy in order to begin transporting children to safety in the UK.

Sir Anthony Hopkins masterfully portrays the deeply humble and almost-anonymous Winton of the 1980s. When his ever-patient wife (Lena Olin) asks him to declutter his office, Nicholas uncovers the long-buried folders and notes that hold the many names of all the children he saved, sparking memories of his wartime efforts. We then follow the younger Nicky, played by Johnny Flynn (Clouds of Sils Maria), in his sincere and rallying race against an impending war.

Nicholas' scrapbook triggered a series of events that culminated in the long-delayed celebration of his life-saving achievements when the BBC invited him to a television program that made him an icon of compassion. His story resonates in our time, as we continue to grapple with war and growing antisemitism. In addition to being a remembrance of bravery and goodness in times of evil, One Life is a vibrant reminder of the importance of human compassion and our ability to make a difference.

Director's Bio
James Hawes was born in Wimbledon, England. His many television directing credits include The Challenger Disaster (2013), two feature-length finales to the series Black Mirror (Hated in the Nation and Smithereens), and Slow Horses (2022). One Life is James' feature film debut.

Wednesday, March 6,2024
7:00 PM
Yossi Bloch, Duki Dror - Israel - 60 Min - 2023 - Hebrew with English subtitles

Supernova
The massacre at the Supernova Festival in the Negev desert marks a historic turning point for Israel: On October 7th, 2023 at 06:30 AM, Hamas terrorists broke through the borders from Gaza into Israel, launching a planned and coordinated attack. Among their targets - a yearly techno music festival with over 3500 young revelers in attendance. Soon the festival grounds turned into a scene of horror: Over 370 people were brutally murdered, hundreds wounded and 40 kidnapped and taken as hostages. The festival attack at Re’im was one of Hamas' first targets and the start of the war that continues to this day.

In this emotional film, survivors, first responders and parents recount their stories and the horrors they witnessed. Filmed just a few days after the events, their trauma is evident, their grief over friends lost is palpable, their continued fear is apparent. The attacks were documented in real time, and for the first time - by both perpetrators and victims. Using materials meticulously collected from dozens of sources, including Hamas’ own cameramen and GoPros, survivors’ mobile phones, CCTV footage, dash cams and from first responders on site- providing unprecedented insight into the massacre.

Director's Bio
Yossi Bloch is a globally renowned artist based in Tel Aviv, with a portfolio spanning international projects as well as local endeavors in Israel. His works include documentaries, such as Netflix's "The Devil Next Door," in addition to his impactful work within the Israeli artistic scene. His latest project involved creating a video artwork displayed in a Tel Aviv gallery, delving into the essence of a well-known military scandal involving Elor Azarya. Bloch's artistic focus lies in the exploration of social conflicts, skillfully depicting the most vulnerable aspects as central protagonists in his narratives.

Duki Dror Darwish is an internationally acclaimed documentary filmmaker. He was born in Tel Aviv and studied at UCLA and Columbia College in Chicago. His extensive body of work spans across numerous subjects and forms, including character-based journeys, experimental biographies, investigative documentaries, and historical epics, earning him international recognition and success. With a pronounced sensitivity, innovative style, and captivating storytelling, Dror creates parables that convey human dilemmas and challenge the viewer's conventions.

Monday, March 11,2024
7:00 PM
Adam Breier - Hungary - 85 Min - 2023 - Hungarian and Hebrew with English subtitles

All About The Levkoviches
In this heartwarming family comedy, an elderly boxing coach, known for his generosity but stubbornness, finds it easy to connect with everyone except his own son. Their strained relationship has resulted in years of silence, to the point where the old man has never even met his grandson, who moved to Israel with his father and adopted an Orthodox Jewish lifestyle. However, when the old man's wife unexpectedly passes away, the family is brought back together for her funeral. As they sit shiva and mourn for a week, they embark on a journey of rediscovery, healing, and understanding.

Director's Bio
Ádám Breier earned an MA degree in Media Studies in Hungary, completed screenwriting courses in New York, and graduated from EICTV (Escuela Internacional de Cine y Televisión) in Cuba with a focus on fiction directing.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024
7:00 PM
Rebecca Snow - Canada - 96 Min - 2024 - English

The Boy In The Woods
This powerful saga of courage and compassion is based on the astonishing true-life story of Maxwell Smart (played by Jeff Klyne from WandaVision and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), a young Jewish boy who lost his entire family in the Holocaust yet survived the Nazi occupation of Eastern Europe by hiding in the forests of Poland. Maxwell was only eleven years old when his entire family was killed before his eyes. His mother's selfless act of ordering him to save himself in the midst of this tragedy allowed him to miraculously escape. Alone in the forest, he created a makeshift shelter by digging a hole in the ground and foraging for food in farmers' fields. His clothes in rags and close to starvation, he repeatedly escaped death at the hands of Nazis. In an atmosphere of genocide, he had the smarts and willpower to simply continue to exist and somehow keep alive his Jewish faith. Max's epic tale and harrowing journey of survival is an inspiring testament to the indomitable human spirit. Emerging from the brutality of war, he eventually became a celebrated artist, sharing with the world his beautiful creations as a stark contrast to the horrors he endured. Also starring Richard Armitage from The Hobbit trilogy, The Boy in the Woods is a remarkably urgent timely reminder of a period in history that should never be forgotten.

Director's Bio
Rebecca Snow was born in London, England, and developed a passion for filmmaking during her time as a researcher and script supervisor on a BBC drama series about ancient Rome. Her credits include producing shows for prestigious networks like NBC, CBC, and the History Channel. Notable programs she has contributed to include "Hunting Nazi Treasure" and "Hitler’s Last Stand." In 2018, she won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Direction in her documentary Real Vikings: Viking Women.

Monday, March 18 2024
7:00 PM
Avi Nesher - Israel - 2023 - Hebrew with English subtitles

Monkey House
Nominated for 11 Israeli Academy Awards (Ophirs), legendary Israeli director Avi Nesher (MJFF films Image of Victory, The Other Story, Past Life) returns to Miami with his critically acclaimed film The Monkey House, a splashy cinematic gem melding a literary mystery, a rambunctious comedy, and a moving character study that follows the unexpected connection between two lost souls.

Set in the 1980s, this epic tale with hints of Almodóvar melodrama revolves around Amitay, a struggling writer living near a monkey park from which the movie gets its name. Envious of his more celebrated colleagues and yearning for Tamar, his childhood love now widowed, Amitay conceives a plan to revive his literary reputation. To orchestrate this comeback, he must find a young and ambitious researcher, or at least someone capable of pretending to be one. Enter Margo, a failed actress residing at her sister's home, who eagerly seizes this mysterious job opportunity. So begins the unlikely meeting of a desperate author and an eccentric young woman, a fateful encounter destined to change both of their lives.

Radiantly shot and beautifully performed, The Monkey House continues Avi Nesher’s exploration of Israeli society and history with his own unique vision, arriving at the irreverent humor and vibrant visual sense that has defined his work for decades. With an exceptional ensemble cast that also includes Avi Nesher regular Adir Miller in an all-time best performance, Shani Cohen (also in the Festival with Sand Flakes), and a breakthrough role by Suzanna Papian making her feature film debut, The Monkey House shows a master storyteller in total control of his craft.

Awards
Nominated for 11 Israeli Academy Awards

Director's Bio
Avi Nesher’s many award-winning films have been integral to Israeli cinema, placing him as one of Israel’s all-time greatest filmmakers. With more than 20 feature films to his credit as director, his work has received prestigious awards and nominations at major international festivals and has won several Ophir Awards (the Israeli equivalent of the Academy Awards) over the last 30 years. Many of his most acclaimed films have premiered at the Miami Jewish Film Festival, including The Matchmaker (2011), Past Life (2017), The Other Story (2019), and Image of Victory (2021), among others.

Thursday, March 21, 2024
7:00 PM
Ron Frank - USA - 90 Min - 2023 - English

Remembering Gene Wilder
He was born Jerome Silberman to an assimilated Milwaukee Jewish family, and his childhood buddies called him Jerry — but the world would come to know Gene Wilder as an endearing comic genius through an extraordinary string of film roles that seem to grow deeper, funnier and more humane with time: from the timid Leo Bloom in Mel Brooks’ The Producers to the strange and magical title role in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, from his inspired on-screen partnership with Richard Pryor in movies like Silver Streak to the comedy classics of Blazing Saddles, The Frisco Kid and Young Frankenstein.

Now, in Ron Frank’s (When Comedy Went to School) affectionate and touching biographical documentary, the full measure of Wilder’s gifts is on display, not only as a comedic actor but as a writer, director and a mensch. Told in part through Wilder’s own voice (luckily he recorded the audiobook of his memoir, which serves as narration), Remembering Gene Wilder is a treat to watch with its generous helpings of film clips from across Wilder’s career and poignant reminiscences by Mel Brooks, Carol Kane, Alan Alda, and Karen Wilder. Yes, there are the ever-fresh line readings (“Put…the candle…back”) and his manic physical antics (his pre-verbal meltdown when Zero Mostel’s Bialystok separates Bloom from his little blue blanket) — but there are also uproarious outtakes from the set of Young Frankenstein and poignant home movies from his marriage to Gilda Radner. Get ready to binge-watch Wilder’s whole career — you’ll want to after seeing this tender and eye-opening tribute.

Director's Bio
Ron Frank has earned a Peabody award and Emmy nomination and has worked as a director, writer, editor, and producer. He has lived in Jerusalem, Israel, and worked for CNN and ABC News, where he produced and edited numerous film and television productions.

Film Society Membership:
$90.00 Adult
$160.00 Dual Adult
$75.00 Senior
$140.00 Dual Senior (63+)

Date: March 4-21, 2024

Location: Manhasset Cinemas - 430 Plandome Rd, Manhasset, NY 11030

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